★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience©®™

Saturday, February 16, 2013

THOMAS DULORME OPPONENT NAMED COMPLETE CARD ANNOUNCED FOR DBE'S UPCOMING BROADWAY BOXING CARD THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21 - ROSELAND BALLROOM, NYC‏

Next Thursday, February 21, DiBella Entertainment's (DBE) Broadway Boxing series returns to the Roseland Ballroom in New York City, with an action-packed nine-bout card headlined by the return of highly regarded WBA #10 junior welterweight Thomas Dulorme (16-1, 12KO's) taking on Eddie Brooks (9-3, 3KO's) in an eight-round matchup, held at a catch weight of 143lbs.

Also featured on the card in separate eight-round bouts will be red-hot lightweight prospect Ivan Redkach (13-0, 11KO's) and WBA #11-rated welterweight Charlie Ota (21-1-1, 15KO's). Ota will square off against Abel Perry (18-6, 9KO's), while Redkach is set to take on hard-hitting Sergio Rivera (27-10-2, 17KO's).(Photo By; Keisha Morrisey)

Fighting in separate bouts will be DBE's next generation of promising future prospects, NY Golden Gloves champions "The Notorious" Travis Peterkin (6-0, 3KO's), Patrick "All" Day (1-0, 1KO) and Louis Cruz (1-0, 1KO). Peterkin is set to challenge Thomas Turner (3-2, 2KO's) in a six-round light heavyweight matchup, Day will meet Dominique Foster (1-1-1) in a four-round junior middleweight matchup and Cruz will see action in a four-round junior welterweight matchup against Demond Brock (3-1, 2KO's).

Making his much-anticipated pro debut on the card will be 19-year-old 2012 Ecuadorian Olympian and 2011 Pan-American Heavyweight Champion Ytalo Perea as he squares off against Excell Holmes (2-1-1, 1KO) in a four-round heavyweight special attraction.

Making his second straight appearance on a DBE-promoted card will be Brooklyn's Neuky Santelises (3-0, 2KO's) as he looks to up his record to a perfect 4-0 when he takes on Denis Madriz (0-0-1) in a four-round junior lightweight contest. Santelises last saw action on the DBE-promoted card at BB King Blues Club in January, where he scored a devastating one-punch highlight-reel knockout over Juan Javier Guerrero.

Rounding out the card is Brooklyn's fan-favorite Keisher McLeod-Wells (5-2, 1KO) facing Canadian National Amateur Champion Jacqueline Hart (1-0) in a six-round female flyweight showdown.

The card is promoted by DiBella Entertainment (DBE) and sponsored by Manfredi Auto Group, Newlio.com, and Everlast. The event will be broadcast live on broadband through GFL.TV. SNY will broadcast the event tape-delayed. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000. Tickets are priced at $125, $85, $65 and $45 and may also be purchased at the door the night of the event. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Friday, February 15, 2013

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT CHRISTOPHER MARTIN EMBARKS ON HIS “PATH TO GLORY” AND FACES OFF AGAINST JOSE ANGEL BERANZA IN A REMATCH FOR REDEMPTION!

Thompson Boxing Promotions returns to the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario with a double shot of boxing action to open up 2013.

Newly signed Christopher “Marvelous” Martin showcases his super bantamweight talent in the main event on Friday, February 22. Martin faces Mexican veteran Jose Angel Beranza in a fight set for eight rounds for the WBC US super bantamweight vacant title.

It’s a rematch for redemption!

Martin (25-2-3, 8 KOs) has some notable wins on his record such as his 10-round split decision win over Chris Avalos and his knockouts of Robert Guillen and Mexican KO artist Roberto Castañeda last summer. The clever counter-puncher Martin has suddenly discovered his power stroke and needs it against Beranza (35-25-2, 27 KOs) who is the first to defeat Martin. The San Diego prizefighter is anxious to remedy the score.

“When Beranza and I last fought he surprised me with his timing. I expected him to come at me but I ended up having to chase him. He out boxed me and would hit and hold. I got frustrated. This time it’s going to be different. I have been working on sitting down on my punches. I got stoppages in my last two fights and feel confident in my ability to walk away with the win. We’re going to go hard for 8 rounds.

Tickets for “PATH TO GLORY” are priced at $75, $45, and $30. They are available now and may be purchased by calling 714-935-0900.

In the co-main event the lanky San Bernardino destroyer Artemio “King” Reyes Jr. tangles with Tucson’s Rodolfo “Bam Bam” Armenta in a welterweight clash set for eight rounds. Reyes (18-2, 14 KOs) is anxious to reclaim a higher ranking in the welterweight division. He won’t find it a breeze when he faces Arizona’s Armenta (12-9-1, 9 KOs) who has faced some of the best prospects in the division. Reyes’ last win was a blowout of Mexico’s Pipino Cuevas Jr. and he is anxious to make 2013 a great year.

Colombian middleweight standout Alex “El Principe” Theran (10-0, 6 KOs) has an even match up against Hawaii’s Michael Balasi (10-1, 7 KOs) in a six round bout. It’s the southpaw slugger’s first venture into American soil after three consecutive knockout wins in Colombia and he hopes to make a good impression. Balasi is also a southpaw and his only loss was a split decision in the Philippines back in 2006.

Riverside super bantamweight Juan Reyes (8-1-1, 1 KO) returns to the Doubletree Hotel for a fourth time. At the moment, the whirlwind pugilist does not have a contracted opponent but will be in a six round contest.

Others fighting on the February 22nd are Giovanni Santillan (6-0, 4 KOs) vs. Michael Lucero (12-17-2, 4 KOs); Joshua Conley (4-0, 4 KOs) vs. Juan Carlos Rojas (4-4, 4 KOs); and Xavier Montelongo (2-0-1) vs. Pedro Toledo (1-0-1).

Watch a cool King Mo highlight video

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Star Boxer Ishe Smith Credits Las Vegas Orthopedic Surgeon for Title Chance Dr. Jedediah W. Jones successfully treated fellow Las Vegas native’s hand injury, and now the fighter to contest IBF Junior Middleweight Championship Feb. 23

Boxer Ishe Smith wouldn’t be climbing into the ring and fighting for the IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship later this month if not for the help of fellow Las Vegas native and resident orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jedediah W. Jones.

“It was Dr. Jones’ care that nurtured me back to health,” said Smith, suffering the serious knuckle injury on his throwing hand during a boxing match in September 2012. “If it wasn’t for his treatment, I would never have had this opportunity. It was a blessing to be able to take this fight because my (knuckle) was in pretty bad shape.”

Smith (24-5, 11 KOs) is attempting to become the first Las Vegas-born fighter to win a world title when he faces current world champion Cornelius “K-9” Bundrage (32-4, 19 KOs) on Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Mich., on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

It was just a few months ago that Smith’s career was in limbo because of a hand injury. “Sugar Shay” Smith was facing a mandatory six-month medical layoff by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and the 34-year-old boxer knew surgery wasn’t an option because he could be out even longer. So Smith turned to fellow Las Vegas native Jones, an orthopedic surgeon in the Hand Surgery Specialists of Nevada, to create a treatment plan that didn’t involve going under the scalpel.

Dr. Jones examined the metacarpal/phalangeal joint on Smith’s middle finger, diagnosing it as a bruised knuckle and a damaged ligament. The injury didn’t require surgery, rather a detailed treatment program to heal it.

“You need to give the body a chance to heal itself,” said Dr. Jones, who consults on wrist, hand and elbow injuries to UNLV athletes. “I know he wanted to get back to fighting, just like an injured firefighter or police officer who wants to get back to work. (Ishe) understood it was going to take some time to fully heal.”

On the surface a bruised knuckle might seem like a minor injury but for boxers the injury is incredibly painful and potentially career threatening. And if not treated properly, it could be a chronic problem.

“It’s an excruciating pain,” Smith said of the injury. “In boxing, our hands are everything. If I can’t throw that punch without pain, I can’t fight.”;

Dr. Jones put a splint on Smith’s finger and laid out a course of treatment. Smith could work on conditioning and shadow boxing but couldn’t land a punch with the injured hand for six weeks. After that period, Smith was allowed to hit a light bag. Although the fighter suffered a minor setback, the injury fully healed. Smith’s recovery took just four months, not the six months or longer some doctors had anticipated.

Smith, who appeared on the original season of the NBC reality show “Contender,” was grateful to once again be pain free. The boxer calls the orthopedist a “caring doctor who listens” and frequently takes to his Twitter account (@IsheSugarShay) to thank Dr. Jones (@DrJedediahJones).

More importantly, Smith has confidence in his hand—and ability—as he’s set for his world title fight.

Dr. Jones will be watching and rooting for the Las Vegas native, knowing the human body’s ability to heal itself and patience is sometimes the best medicine.

“I’m just one part of the team,” Dr. Jones said.

Boxer Ishe Smith during a press conference to promote his upcoming fight with Cornelius “K-9” Bundrage. (Photo credit: Golden Boy Promotions/Hoganphotos)

NELSON GOING ALL IN VS. MEDINA March 1 ESPN FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS Co-Feature at MGM Grand at Foxwoods

NELSON GOING ALL IN VS. MEDINA

March 1 ESPN FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS Co-Feature at MGM Grand at Foxwoods

North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super welterweight champion Willie "The Great" Nelson (19-1-1, 11 KOs) plans to make a major statement on March 1, against Michael "El Magnifico" Medina (26-3-2, 19 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature on ESPN Friday Night Fights, airing live from Foxwoods Resort Casino's MGM Grand Theater, in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

The ESPN Friday Night Fights card, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and 50 Cent's SMS Promotions, will air live at 9 p.m. ET. The Nelson-Medina bout is promoted in association with Rumble Time Promotions.

The 12-round main event on ESPN Friday Night Fights features International Boxing Federation (IBF) Featherweight Champion Billy "The Kid" Dib (35-1-0-1NC, 21 KOs), who is promoted by 50 Cent, and fighting in the United States for the first time in four-and-a-half years. The Australian boxer defends his title against undefeated Russian challenger Evgeny Gradovich (15-0, 8 KOs), rated No. 11 by the IBF.

Nelson (19-1-1, 11 KOs) is coming off consecutive victories by impressive 10-round decisions over a pair of previously unbeaten Olympians - two-time Cuban National champion Yudel Jhonson (12-1), on ShoBox, and World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth champion John "Dah Rock" Jackson (13-1, 12 KOs) for the vacant NABF super welterweight title.

Another impressive win for Nelson, who is the top-ranked American in the World Boxing Council (WBC) ratings at No. 5, should move him up the ladder and closer to a world title shot.

"This fight is very important for my career because I'll be showcasing my talent on ESPN and so many people will see me fight," Nelson said. "This fight is going to get me closer to the top of my division in the WBC. Personally, though, it's just another fight that won't affect me in the ring.

"Medina comes straight forward and throws a lot of punches, but he has poor defense, throws looping punches, and doesn't move his head. He likes to throw a lot of body punches. I've fought a lot of guys like him in the amateurs and a few as a pro."

WBC No. 17-ranked Medina will be giving away three-and-a-half inches in height, as well as a nine-inch reach advantage, to the 6'4" Nelson, who has an 84" reach. Medina, whose most notable win to date is a 10-round decision in 2011 over Grady Brewer, has been stopped only once, by Saul Roman, and his only other losses as a professional have been to the undefeated Vanes Martirosyan and John Duddy.

Nelson is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Steve Smith's Rumble Time Promotions.

The undercard, featuring some of New England's most promising prospects, will soon be announced.

Hopkins vs. Cloud will take place Saturday, March 9 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn

Hopkins vs. Cloud, a 12-round fight for Cloud’s IBF light heavyweight title, will take place Saturday, March 9 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Don King Productions and sponsored by Corona, AT&T and Ford. The co-main event will be a 12-round fight between top-rated contender Keith Thurman and former world champion Jan Zaveck for Zaveck’s World Boxing Organization Intercontinental welterweight championship.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

ELVIR MURIQI HEADLINES MARCH 15TH IN WHIPPANY, NEW JERSEY PLUS UNDEFEATED JOHN THOMPSON, ANTOINE DOUGLAS, THOMAS LAMANNA, DANNY GONZALEZ, GLENFORD NICKEY, ANTHONY GANGEMI, ANTHONY YOUNG, TYRELL WRIGHT AND EXPLOSIVE HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN BETWEEN PATRICK FARRELL AND JOHN LENNOX

ELVIR MURIQI HEADLINES MARCH 15TH IN WHIPPANY, NEW JERSEY PLUS UNDEFEATED JOHN THOMPSON, ANTOINE DOUGLAS, THOMAS LAMANNA, DANNY GONZALEZ, GLENFORD NICKEY, ANTHONY GANGEMI, ANTHONY YOUNG, TYRELL WRIGHT AND EXPLOSIVE HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN BETWEEN PATRICK FARRELL AND JOHN LENNOX

On Friday night, March 15th boxing returns to the Birchwood Manor in Whippany, New Jersey as a full night of professional boxing returns courtesy if GH3 Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions.

In the main event, perennial Light Heavyweight contender Elvir “The Kosovo Kid” Muriqi headlines in the eight round main event.

The thirty-three year old Muriqi has a record of 39-5 with 24 knockouts and is looking to make another run to the top of the Heavyweight rankings.

The native of New York City won 30 of his first 31 bouts with his lone blemish being a controversial disqualification defeat. In that streak Muriqi had quality wins over Joseph Harris, Sammy Ahmad, James Crawford and Tony Menefee. After dropping two of three, Muriqi went on a three fight winning streak that set up a showdown with former undisputed Light Heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver.

Muriqi fought a valiant fight for which some ringsiders thought he may have pulled off the upset. In the end it was Tarver who took the majority decision in their Showtime televised bout on June 9, 2007.

Muriqi rebounded with a 4th round stoppage over Jameel Wilson which set him up for an IBF elimination bout against former world champion Clinton Woods.

Once again Muriqi put on a great performance before dropping a unanimous decision in front of Woods hometown crowd in England.

Muriqi is currently riding a four fight winning streak with wins over Daniel Judah and his most recent win over Chris Grays on December 10, 2011.

Muriqi’s opponent will be announced shortly.

In the eight round co-feature, John Thompson (10-0, 3 KO’s) will take on Calvin Odom in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Thompson) of Newark, NJ has been stepping up the competition with each fight. The twenty-three year old has quality wins over Jermond Bourgeois (TKO 2), John Mackey (UD) and his last bout when he scored a six round unanimous decision over Elie Augustama on December 1st at Madison Square Garden as part of the Austin Trout – Miguel Cotto championship fight card.

Odom of Inglewood, CA has a record of 15-13 with 11 wins by knockout. Odom has faced top competition and has defeated the likes of undefeated Juan Gil, Jose Luis Zertuche, and Srrgio Rios and has also faced Grady Brewer (twice), Roberto Garcia, former world title challenger Marco Antonio Rubio, Sebastian Valdez, Jose Antonio Ojeda, Walter Wright, Luciano Perez, Charles Hatley, Wale Omotoso, Tony Harrison and his last bout he dropped an eight round decision to Joe Greene on January 10th

In a six round bout, undefeated Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna (10-0, 6 KO’s) of Millville, NJ takes on an opponent to be named in a Middleweight bout.

In what figure to be a six round Heavyweight slugfest, it will be the battle of New Jersey when Patrick Farrell (8-1-1, 4 KO’s) of Jersey City takes on John Lennox (10-2, 5 KO’s) of Carteret.

Also appearing in a six round bout will be undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Washington, DC taking on Josh Thorpe of Cincinnati, OH.

In four round bouts: Danny Gonzalez (1-0) of Queens, NY will fight an opponent to be named in a Jr. Welterweight bout; In a Jr. Lightweight bout, Glenford Nickey (1-0-1) of New York battles Anolan Rigal (1-3-1, 1 KO) of Johnson City, NY; Welterweight Anthony Gangemi (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Mine Hill, NY will box Ibrihim Shabazz (1-1-1) of Newark, NJ; Anthony “Juice” Young (6-0, 2 KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ takes on an opponent to be named in a Welterweight bout; Tyrell Wright (1-0) of Bayonne, NJ will compete in a four round Heavyweight against an opponent to be named; Rounding out the card will be popular Jr. Welterweight Vinny O’Brien (3-2, 2 KO’s) of East Hanover, NJ batting an opponent to be named.

No Holds Barred: Mukai Maromo, The Afrikan Assassin

Originally from Harare, Zimbabwe, and now based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Mukai Maromo will be fighting for the vacant MFC lightweight title this Friday, February 15. His opponent will be Graham Spencer, who defeated him by decision in 2010. Since then, Mukai Maromo, now 8-2, has won five straight fights, while Graham Spencer, 9-1, has also been undefeated.

This fight will be the co-main event of the MFC 36 card which will be held this Friday at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, and televised live on AXS TV.

We spoke with Mukai Maromo by phone Monday.

Mukai Maromo is known more as a striker, having won four of his eight victories by KO or TKO, while Graham Spencer is known more as a grappler, having won four of his nine victories by submission and none by KO or TKO. Although Graham Spencer has never been knocked out, Mukai Maromo is very confident that this will change in their rematch.

"I think it has the makings of a very exciting fight," he said in this interview. He believes that his opponent has never been knocked out because he is mainly a grappler who "has managed to drive his opponents down to the ground and beat them on the top. In that situation it's very hard to get knocked out when you're the one in the top position on the ground."

But he said that it is also because his opponent has not faced a top-level striker. "It's not like he's fought somebody who's landed a couple of hard shots off his chin and taken it and kept on trucking." And he stressed that he is a far improved fighter since their first fight in 2010.

In this rematch, he predicted, "I'm going to put a couple of hands on his chin. If he can take that, I'll put the knee on his chin. If he can take that, I'll put my shin on his chin. With one of those three things landing on it, it's guaranteed to be a knockout." And he added, "He's never been knocked out YET, but I'm definitely coming to do that right now."

We discussed his progress as a fighter since that loss to Graham Spencer. He only started fighting professionally in 2010, at age 27, and took some time to find his bearings. But he said he is now dedicated to becoming "the best" and has also been training at the respected Tristar Gym in Montreal. This is his "new home" and he said he has improved all aspects of his fighting technique since training there.

We also discussed how he became a mixed martial arts fighter, how he would like to help spread and develop MMA in his home country of Zimbabwe and in more of Africa than has it now, the great potential for MMA in Africa, and much more.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

No Holds Barred: International Olympic Committee Drops Wrestling for 2020 Summer Olympic Games

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman discusses the decision by the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to drop wrestling from the program of the 2020 Summer Olympic Games.

Many people in the wrestling community have long criticized the poor and sometimes nonexistent promotion and marketing of wrestling, as well as the poor communications skills of many of those in charge of it. Now, it appears, the chickens have come home to roost, as other Olympic sports and those vying to get on the Olympic program have passed it by.

While the IOC could still reinstate wrestling for 2020 at its Executive Board meeting in St Petersburg, Russia, in May, or at its full IOC Session September 7-10 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, that is highly unlikely unless wrestling makes some dramatic changes in the few months before those meetings.

We also play the audio of the February 12 press briefing with the IOC Communications Director, Mark Adams, which officially announced that wrestling was being dropped by the IOC.

Here is the February 12 news release by the IOC announcing that wrestling was being dropped:

IOC Executive Board recommends 25 core sports for 2020 Games

The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today agreed on the 25 sports it will propose to the 125th IOC Session for approval as the core sports for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games.

The 25 sports are: athletics, rowing, badminton, basketball, boxing, canoeing, cycling, equestrian, fencing, football, gymnastics, weightlifting, handball, hockey, judo, swimming, modern pentathlon, taekwondo, tennis, table tennis, shooting, archery, triathlon, sailing and volleyball.

The EB recommended that wrestling, governed by the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA), not be included on the list of core sports. Wrestling will now join the seven shortlisted sports – baseball/softball, karate, roller sports, sport climbing, squash, wakeboarding and wushu – vying for inclusion in the 2020 Olympic programme as an additional sport.

The eight sports are scheduled to make presentations to the Executive Board at its meeting in St Petersburg, Russia, in May. The EB will select which of the eight sports to recommend to the 125th IOC Session for inclusion as an additional sport on the 2020 programme.

In an effort to ensure the Olympic Games remain relevant to sports fans of all generations, the Olympic Programme Commission systematically reviews every sport following each edition of the Games.

Golf and rugby sevens were added in 2009 as additional sports to the 2016 Olympic programme.

The 125th IOC Session will take place from 7 to 10 September in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

ADRIEN BRONER vs GAVIN REES HEAD-TO-HEAD FOOTAGE / NEW YORK PRESS CONFERENCE

UFC 157 : Rousey vs Carmouche Pre-Fight Conference Call (LIVE! / complete + unedited audio)

Melson to receive “MVP” Award from NYCSCIA February 12!‏

Junior middleweight boxer and humanitarian Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson will receive the inaugural Most Valuable Philanthropist (MVP) award from the National Spinal Cord Injury Association’s New York Chapter (NYCSCIA) during a special Mardi Gras themed fundraiser Tuesday, February 12.

Since turning pro in November 2010, Melson, who has a record of 10-1-1 with 4 knockouts, donated all of his fight purses. Eleven of his full fight purses went to Justadollarplease.org in support of a pending trial that could potentially cure chronic Spinal Cord Injuries, with the other being donated to a lifelong friend whose son has brain cancer.

In 2011, along with his best friend Christan Zaccagnino, the West Point Graduate created Team Fight to Walk. The team, which has more than 15 fighters helping support the cause in various ways, received mentioned in ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo and the Military Times. With his full-time employer Johnson&Johnson backing his selfless efforts, Melson’s raised more than $100,000 towards the trial.

“This is an incredible honor, but this is not about me,” said Melson, who fights three days before the fundraiser at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. “There are more than 300,000 Americans that suffer from Spinal Cord Injuries on a daily basis that can’t get the help they need in this country.”

“We have no government funding and are doing everything we can to make this trial happen in the immediate future. I appreciate this award and am looking forward to spending time with the NYCSCIA members. More than receiving any award or boxing championship, I want to see my best friend Christan Zaccagnino and every other person that suffers walk again.”

The fundraiser is from 6-10 pm at Slate-NY, located at 54 West 21^st Street New York, NY 10010. Tickets to the fundraiser are available on Ticketriver.com/event/5400-9th-annual-mardi-gras-fundraiser.

Tickets for Boyd's next fight are available at Teamfighttowalk.com. Fans can also buy Team Fight To Walk t-shirts and wrist bands for the next fight from the website, with 100% of profits being donated to Justadollarplease.org. Come wear your t-shirt and bracelet Feb 9^th to support The “Rainmaker” and Team Fight To Walk in his quest to be a champion it the ring and cure Spinal Cord Injuries outside of it. All tickets and merchandise purchased will be available at the Barclays Center’s will call window on fight night.

MMA WORLD EXPO Feb. 16-17 in NYC

The mixed martial arts community reconvenes this Feb. 16-17 in NYC as the 4th annual MMA WORLD EXPO returns to the Jacob Javits Convention Center. MMA WORLD EXPO is a 2-day conference and expo designed for the Mixed Martial Arts community, its fans, practitioners, suppliers and stars.

Monday, February 11, 2013

ELITE HEAT AMATEURS SHINE IN ALLENTOWN

This past Saturday at the Rodeway Inn in Allentown, PA, Kings Boxing Promotions staged a Pro-Am card that saw three members of the Elite Heat Boxing team score victories during the amateur portion of the show.

In the 112 Pound Division (ages 15-16), Shakur Stevenson scored a victory over Jacob Soto.

Stevenson is trained by his grandfather Walli Moses and Robert Griffin and has an amateur record of 74-7.

Stevenson recently traveled to Russia and took home the Velez Cup and was the 2012 Ringside World champion and 2013 Jr. World champion

Eysa Dorsey scored a victory over Donald Ford of Washington, DC in the 75 lb (ages 11-12) division. Dorsey was the 2012 Nation Jr. Golden Gloves champion

Finally in the 75 lb (ages 10-11) Viti Mielnicki won a decision over Jahlil Hackett of Washington, DC. Hackett was the 2012 Title National Champion while Mienicki was the 2011 and 2012 Jr. National Golden Gloves champion and 2012 Ringside World champion

FEBRUARY 16 on HBO: Adrien "The Problem" Broner vs. Gavin Rees & Seth Mitchell vs. Jonathan Banks 2

World Championship will take place Saturday, February 16 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, R & R Promotions, sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City, Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT. The co-main event will be a 12-round heavyweight rematch between Johnathon Banks and Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell for Banks' NABO and WBC International Heavyweight titles which is co-promoted by K2 Promotions.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

No Holds Barred: Andrew Montanez of Robot Combat League and MMA Surge

No Holds Barred: Andrew Montanez of Robot Combat League and MMA Surge

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with Andrew Montanez, the host of the online video show MMA Surge.

Andrew Montanez has a strong background in the combat sports. He wrestled at Mineola High School in Long Island, New York, and then at Nassau Community College, as well as wrestling freestyle at the Empire State Games. He is currently a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Although he is not currently an active fighter, he has fought numerous times in professional MMA, including Strikeforce where he was 1-1.

His latest foray into combat sports, however, was something quite different: Andrew served as a robo-jockey for an eight-foot tall robot named A.X.E. in the first season of the new Syfy network TV series called Robot Combat League.

The Robot Combat League features 12 state-of-the-art robots engaged in a tournament where they fight each other. The robots are controlled by a human fighter known as a robo-jockey and an engineer known as a robo-tech. The first season of the Robot Combat League, which premieres Tuesday, February 26, on Syfy in the U.S., has already been filmed.

We spoke with Andrew Montanez about the Robot Combat League and its relation to combat sports by phone Saturday.

"That's the main reason why I did the show. I saw the same vision. The sport's getting violent. We kind of need something else," he said in this interview. "I know a lot of girls that can't watch MMA because they can't watch people getting hit. But I brought a couple of them to the robot fights and they were like, 'This is awesome.' Because no one's actually getting hurt."

He continued, "The main reason I did this show was because I saw the potential and I wanted to be part of it," and to "try to see if we could start a new combat sport."

He did caution that there will be many factors determining the success or failure of the Robot Combat League, including the editing of the show, how the audience reacts to it, and how the fights actually look on television. "It's going to be a little bit of a process."

Still, he, along with many other people, are optimistic that the Robot Combat League can establish itself as a successful venture, be it as a replacement for combat sports involving humans or as a show existing alongside them.

We discussed what his tasks were as a robo-jockey, how he had an advantage over other robo-jockeys because he could utilize his combat sports skills to control his robot, why he believes that many fans of combat sports will enjoy the Robot Combat League, and more.
♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Bradley vs Provodnikov

Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion TIMOTHY BRADLEY, JR. (29-0, 12 KOs), of Palm Springs, Calif., top-rated contender RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV (22-1, 15 KOs), will take place Saturday, March 16, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Banner Promotions and Tecate, Bradley-Provodnikov will take place Saturday, March 16, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

No Holds Barred: J.P. Reese‏

On January 31, J.P. Reese fought Dave Shepherd on the Bellator MMA card in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, and won a three-round unanimous decision. This fight, fought at lightweight, was on the undercard of this event. It upped his record to 9-4, and 3-0 in Bellator, but he still has not gotten a slot in a Bellator championship tournament.

Now 32 years old, and having fought professionally only since June 2010, J.P. Reese believes it is time for him to make a change.

"To be honest with you, I actually have intentions of probably going to 145 pounds," he said in this interview, which was recorded by phone Monday. "I wrestled 141 in college. I'm getting it everyday at the gym from my training partners and from my coaches, 'Hey, when are you going to drop down to 145?'" While he may not drop to that weight whenever his next fight is, he added, "Down the road I'm really anticipating going to 145 pounds."

Even if he drops to 145, however, he will still have to wait for a slot in a Bellator tournament. The Bellator season eight featherweight tournament is set to start February 7, with the season eight lightweight tournament having started a week earlier. It may not be easy to be patient at age 32 while waiting for a tournament spot, but, especially if he keeps winning his fights, this could be the year it happens for J.P. Reese.

Meanwhile, he trains at American Top Team's facility in Coconut Creek, Florida, and prepares for his next fight, which has not been set yet. He also maintains his ties with wrestling, and is an assistant wrestling coach at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, one of the top schools for wrestling in that state.

In our interview, we also discussed when he trained with other former Missouri wrestlers who are now MMA fighters, including Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler, Bellator welterweight champion Ben Askren, and former Strikeforce and now UFC fighter Tyron Woodley. In addition, we discussed how he made the transition from wrestling to MMA, his most recent fights, the state of wrestling in Florida, and much more.
♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

MMA World Expo...It happens in 7 days‏

Presents the 4^th Annual MMA World Expo is just one week away! We are excited and hope you are too. Now's the time to take advantage of the pre-event registration prices, so get your tickets now!

Next week's highlights:

MMA Celebs & FightersFrankie Edgar, Nate Diaz, Big John McCarthy, Matt Serra, Mike Straka, Uriah Hall, Nick Newell, Mike Chandler and many more. Click for Details

Live Amateur MMA Fights

Watch as fighter from around the globe, including Kazakhstan, Italy, DR Congo, US Samoa, Canada and from right here in the tri-state area, compete in exciting MMA action right on the show floor. Click for Details

Renzo Gracie BJJ Open

Check out the fierce Gi and No-Gi grappling action as BJJ legend Renzo Gracie presides over his tournament chock full of arm-bars, chokes and sweeps galore! Want to compete? Click for Details

New MMA Reality TV Show- Casting Call

Exciting to watch, but even more exciting to try-out! Global Proving Ground presents, the “Warrior Island Casting Call” for aspiring MMA fighters. Click for Details

MMA Film Screenings

Grab a seat in the MMA World Expo Screenings Theater where you’ll be treated with some of the best MMA documentaries, shorts and films like: Striking Truth, Like Water, The Rise of Toquinho and dozens more. Click for Details

Training-with-the-Masters

Where else can you train with some of the world’s best fighters, Olympians and MMA coaches in one place at one time for an incredibly reasonable price? Check out the line-up: Saturday: Renzo Gracie, Vitor Shaolin, COBAN, Frankie Edgar, Iran Barkley & Juan Laporte. Sunday: Lee Kemp, Jimmy Pedro, Phil Nurse, Nate Diaz and Risk Hawn. Click for Details

Auto & Chopper Showcase

Toyota will have on display their finest vehicles including the Tundra, PJ Cruiser, Scion Series and a few specialty vehicles as well. In addition, NYC Choppers will be displaying some of their toughest custom bikes and newest designs. Click for Details

MMA Vendors

We’ve got vendors for just about everything! Apparel, Nutrition, Auto, Gear, Equipment, Gyms, Entertainment, Apps, Publications, Fight Organizations, Services—you name it, it’s at the Expo. Some leading vendors include: Toyota, Headrush, Xyience, Big John’s MMA Fight Club, World Series of Fighting, Sapphire, FDNY, Ring-to-Cage, Zebra Mats, MSG Sports, Tap Cancer Out, Gleason’s Gym and over 50 other vendors. Click for Details

After-Party

Grab a free admission ticket and drink stub at the Sapphire NY booth on Saturday and join us—and special guests- for an unforgettable night of fun. Must be 21+ and proper attire required. Click for Details

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